Anita Tóth-Bakos is an Associate Professor at J. Selye University's Faculty of Education, Department of Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Didactics of Music Education from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and specializes in music education, inclusive pedagogy, flipped classroom methods, and mentor training. Her research examines how music and arts-based interventions support inclusive development, particularly for children with Williams Syndrome. Key research areas include: Music therapy in special education Web applications for teacher training Volunteerism in arts education Cross-European flipped learning trends Recent publications (2013-2024) analyze civil society's role in inclusive education, AI in social studies, and neurocognitive impacts of music training. She received the SZMAT Young Researchers Award (2019) and Rector's Award (2024) for scholarly contributions. Projects include Erasmus+ collaborations on flipped learning (2020-2022) and KEGA-funded internationalization of preschool education programs.
Prof. Slávka Kopčáková is a Professor and head of the Institute of Aesthetics and Art Culture at the University of Prešov's Faculty of Arts. Her academic journey began with degrees in music pedagogy (violin) and English literature from the University of Prešov, followed by a PhD in music sciences from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. She attained associate professorship in 2013 and full professorship in 2021. With professional experience as a violinist and music critic, she brings practical artistry to her theoretical work. Her research examines the intersection of music history, aesthetics, and cultural theory, focusing on: Slovak music aesthetics development in the 20th-21st centuries Regional music heritage of Eastern Slovakia Interdisciplinary relationships between music and other art forms Methodologies for music reception analysis Historical musicology of Central Europe Her publications demonstrate consistent exploration of Slovak musical identity through historical and theoretical lenses. Recent works exhibit strong interdisciplinary tendencies, connecting musicology with anthropology, philosophy, and cultural studies while maintaining focus on Slovak and Central European contexts. A clear evolution is evident from historical reconstructions toward contemporary aesthetic challenges. She directs significant research projects including VEGA grants examining Slovak aesthetic thought (1/0065/22), music-dramatic art connections (1/0051/19), and Central European anthropological aesthetics. She coordinated the European Commission's 'European Music Portfolio - Maths' project, developing innovative pedagogical approaches connecting music and mathematics education across Europe. Her pedagogical leadership includes designing courses across all academic levels: Bachelor (Music History, Slovak Music), Master (20th-Century Music, Music Criticism), and PhD (Aesthetics of Music, Cultural Heritage). She mentors doctoral candidates and serves on examination committees at multiple universities. As institute director, she oversees academic programs while maintaining extensive professional memberships including the International Association for Aesthetics and editorial boards of several European academic journals.
RNDr. Lucia Csachová, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Catholic University in Ružomberok. She serves as a Pedagogical Practice Methodologist for Mathematics Teachers and a Study Advisor for Mathematics students. Her work focuses on mathematics education, problem-solving methodologies, and visual learning. Current roles: Associate Professor, Pedagogical Practice Methodologist, Study Advisor Department: Mathematics Contact: lucia.csachova@ku.sk Research Interests: Csachová specializes in mathematics education, with emphasis on problem-solving strategies, visual learning in geometry, and statistical literacy. She explores interdisciplinary connections (e.g., folk art and geometry) and analyzes cognitive challenges in mathematical understanding. Article Trends: Her publications (2018–2023) highlight: Problem-solving in Slovak educational assessments Visual representation challenges in geometry Statistical literacy in secondary education Integration of folk art into mathematical teaching Remote teaching adaptations during the pandemic Advising & Consultation: Csachová offers consulting hours for students and maintains active involvement in mathematics teacher training.
Kinga Horváth is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Education at J. Selye University in Komárno, Slovakia. She holds academic qualifications including a PhD from Comenius University and habilitation from the University of Pécs. Her career spans over three decades, with roles progressing from primary school teacher to university dean. She leads research in educational systems, teacher identity, and minority education. Education: Primary School Teacher Training (Comenius University, 1989–1993) PhD in Pedagogy (Comenius University, 1997–1999) Examina Rigorosa in Pedagogy (Comenius University, 1999–2000) Habilitation in Pedagogy (University of Pécs, 2015) Research Focus: Investigates teacher identity in social contexts, pedagogical communication dynamics, early school leaving phenomena, and educational systems' theoretical foundations. Recent work emphasizes minority education strategies and digital assessment methods. Awards: Multiple rector awards (2018, 2021, 2023) and recognition from the Hungarian Pedagogues Union (2023) for promoting Hungarian-language education. Projects: Leads EU-funded initiatives like Erasmus+ OKTÁV (2024–2026) and coordinates research on Slovak as a second language in teacher training. Active in KEGA/VEGA grants focusing on creativity in education and minority education strategies.
Veronika Šramatyová is an Associate Professor at the Department of Restoration, Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava. She is a prominent Slovak artist, poet, and academic specializing in photorealistic painting with neo-conceptual tendencies. Her work explores the relationship between painting and photography, often thematizing boundaries between artist, gallery, viewer, and artwork. She earned her ArtD. degree (2005-2010) from Studio ± XXI under Professor Daniel Fischer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. Her educational background includes studies in Painting and Other Media (1996-2003), with additional exchange at Studio of Sculpture and Free Creation in Poznan, Poland (2001), and training in Restoration at the Secondary School of Applied Arts in Kremnica (1992-1996). Šramatyová's research interests span photorealistic painting, conceptual art, and poetry. Her work demonstrates neo-conceptual tendencies while maintaining technical excellence in painting. She explores the boundaries between different media, particularly the relationship between painting and photography, creating complex dialogues between artistic mediums and institutional contexts. Her projects often incorporate strategies that create relationships with viewers or gallery institutions, challenging conventional artistic frameworks. Her publications reveal a strong focus on contemporary Slovak art, with recurring themes of narrative construction, visual illusion, and the relationship between image and mind. Her work appears across art criticism, exhibition catalogues, and poetry anthologies, demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach to artistic expression. PAINTING 2011, VUB Foundation, participation in final STRABAG AWARD 2011, participation in semifinal ESSL AWARD 2007, 2nd prize Literary Zvolen, Poetry (1994, 1995, 1996) Šramatyová has been actively involved in mentoring through her teaching positions and her Workshort Residency program in Reca, Slovakia, which she has organized since 2008. Her "Barter Collection" project, initiated in 2005, represents an innovative approach to art collection and exchange. She has participated in numerous international collaborations and residencies, including projects in the United States, Switzerland, and various European countries. Her studio practice includes the Workshort Residency program in Reca, Slovakia, which has hosted numerous international artists since 2008. She also manages the Barter Collection project, an innovative approach to art collection and exchange that operates outside traditional commercial frameworks.
Ladislav Pasiar is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Pedagogy , part of the Faculty of Economics and Finance at the Bratislava University of Economics and Business . He also serves as the Secretary of the Department . His teaching activities focus on communication skills, pedagogical communication, project management, and the creation of academic works. He holds qualifications as a Dipl. Ing. and PhD. His research interests revolve around educational technology, pedagogical strategies, financial literacy, project-based learning, and information literacy. He has contributed to numerous publications, including books and journal articles examining topics like student creativity in project-based learning, teacher competency development, and the integration of IT into educational processes. His work frequently addresses challenges in economics education, curriculum design, and vocational training. Key research themes include innovative teaching methods in economics, digital literacy, and the effective use of ICT in financial education. He has co-authored works on teamwork attitudes among economics students, the role of creativity in learning, and the application of educational taxonomies in curriculum modernization. His publications span pedagogical frameworks, teacher training programs, and the analysis of informatics education across different school levels. He has actively participated in international conferences and contributed to edited volumes addressing global educational trends.
Ján Paukovic is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Media Design within the Faculty of Mass Media at Pan-European University. He teaches courses in typography, graphic design, and media design under the Media Design I and II programs. Research Focus: His work bridges visual communication, visual semiotics, and creative design. He investigates how visual signs are interpreted across cultural contexts, manipulative techniques in visual stimuli, and the evolution of information graphics. His research spans digital, print, and spatial media forms. Scientific Awards: Pentaward (prestigious packaging design award) Professional Activities: He is the owner and creative director of The Twentytwo design studio, with collaborations for international brands like Mercedes-Benz and Vienna Insurance Group. His teaching emphasizes practical adaptation to technological changes and communication skills.
Professor Clare Jinks is a Professor of Health Research at Keele University's School of Medicine, specializing in osteoarthritis management, pain interventions, and health services research. As a social scientist with extensive experience in mixed-methods research, she investigates the management of persistent pain conditions within primary care settings. Her research examines interventions for osteoarthritis, opioid medication management, and chronic pain treatment strategies. She leads studies on shared decision-making models for osteoporosis treatment and pharmacist-led pain management programs. Professor Jinks' publications focus on musculoskeletal health, chronic pain interventions, and health services innovation. Her work integrates sociological and psychological perspectives to understand healthcare delivery and patient experiences with long-term conditions.
Martin Brestovanský, PhD., serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Pedagogical Studies within the Faculty of Education at University of Trnava since 2007. His academic journey began with doctoral studies at the same institution's Faculty of Health and Social Work (2002-2007), where he earned his PhD in social work in 2007 with a dissertation titled Animation and its contribution to social prevention . His educational background includes: PhD in Social Work (2007), University of Trnava Teaching Certification in Slovak Language & Ethical Education (1997-2000), University of Trnava Professional Development: University of Florida (2017) and University of Birmingham (2015) Brestovanský's research centers on ethical education frameworks and moral development , with particular focus on prosocial moral reasoning. His habilitation thesis ( Prosocial moral reasoning: natural development and intentional development , 2019) established him as a leading scholar in character education. He pioneered courses in Media Education and Leisure Time Pedagogy, integrating experiential learning with ethical development. His work bridges theoretical pedagogy with practical applications in school environments, particularly examining how values shape interpersonal relationships in educational settings. His publication trend reveals consistent focus on ethical education (60% of works), with significant contributions to media literacy (20%) and inclusive pedagogy (20%). The 2019 monograph Values, relationships and school represents his most comprehensive work, synthesizing decades of research on prosocial behavior development. Earlier works (2010-2014) establish methodological foundations, while recent publications (2016-2019) focus on practical implementation in educational systems. Brestovanský successfully completed habilitation procedures in 2020, earning the title docent in the field of pedagogy (1.1.4). The habilitation committee, chaired by Prof. Blanka Kudláčová, evaluated his extensive publication record including 82 responses to scientific work (30 foreign, 52 domestic). His teaching portfolio spans multiple programs: Ethics Education (2008-present), Media Education (2009-present), and Leisure Time Pedagogy (2011-present). He has developed university scripts for both Media Education (2010) and Leisure Time Pedagogy (2013), establishing foundational curricula in these emerging fields. His international collaborations include joint research with UK and US institutions on inclusion frameworks. Currently leading research in prosocial development at the Department of Pedagogical Studies, Brestovanský maintains active consultation hours (Mondays 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00) and continues developing professional learning communities focused on ethical education implementation.
Zuzana Husárová is a lecturer at the Digital Arts Platform of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava (VŠVU). Her work bridges theoretical and practical engagement with digital poetry, literature , and the intersection of artificial intelligence with human creativity . As part of one of the university's youngest, medium-agnostic study programs, she fosters diverse forms of artistic expression while reflecting on her role as a female educator and creator in a field often dominated by male voices.
Ľubomír Dunaj is a researcher at the Czech Academy of Sciences' Institute of Philosophy, Department of Political Philosophy and Globalization Research. His work integrates critical theory , pragmatism , and hermeneutics to analyze contemporary social and political challenges, particularly in East-Central Europe and China . He holds a PhD from Comenius University (2013) and has conducted research at Goethe University Frankfurt, University of North Florida, Fudan University, and University of Vienna (2019-2025 postdoc). Editor-in-Chief of Pragmatism Today Member of editorial board at Filozofia His research focuses on intercultural dialogue , revolution vs. transformation , and ethical responses to globalization . Key publications include co-edited volumes on critical hermeneutics and articles examining post-socialist societies, Axel Honneth's recognition theory, and Confucianism's compatibility with critical theory. He has received grants from Aktion Österreich-Slowakei, Fulbright, DAAD, and Erasmus+ programs. Scientific awards and grants reflect his international collaborations: Fulbright at University of North Florida (2019/2020) DAAD and NSP fellowships in Germany Jan Hus Educational Foundation Stipend (2018) Erasmus+ staff mobility (2018) Aktion Österreich-Slowakei grant (2022) Dunaj's work explores social pathologies , hybrid modernization , and democratic theory , often addressing how societies reconcile historical legacies with contemporary challenges. His methodological approach bridges continental philosophy with non-Western traditions, emphasizing practical solutions for ecological crises , social inequality , and intercultural understanding .
Mgr. Jozef Kordoš, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Trnava's Faculty of Arts, Department of Classical Languages. His roles include teaching Greek and Latin philology courses such as Greek Language I-IV, History of Greek Literature, and seminars on ancient historians like Herodotus and Thucydides. He also contributes to doctoral programs at Comenius University's Faculty of Arts. Dr. Kordoš holds a PhD in Classical Philology from Comenius University (2013), focusing on Cassius Dio's historiography. His academic background includes multiple degrees: a Master's in Greek/Latin Literature from Comenius (2009), and two concurrent degrees from the University of Trnava in Latin Literature and Classical Archaeology (2002), alongside supplementary pedagogical studies (2003). His research focuses on Neo-Latin Studies (particularly Baroque literature and Trnava University's works) and late antiquity historiography. Key projects include studies on Matej Bel's historical works and the cultural heritage of the Middle Danube region. He has conducted research stays at the University of Vienna's Institute of Ancient History (2011). His publications span scholarly books and articles analyzing Latin historiography, Baroque panegyrics, and textual reception of ancient traditions. Notable works include studies on Cassius Dio, the epic 'Tyrnavia crescens,' and translations of historical texts like Matej Bel's 'Liptovská stolica.' His work bridges classical scholarship with regional cultural history. He has participated in several research grants including VEGA 1/0577/11 (Trnava University Prints) and APVV SK-AT-022-12 (Ancient Greek Cultural Heritage). His contributions expand from textual analysis to educational methodology in classical studies.
Menachem Edelman-Landau is a multidisciplinary artist and academic lecturer at Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts (BISLA). Born in Jerusalem (1982), he graduated with honors from the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School. His career spans film direction, illustration, mural art, and academic teaching. He has directed acclaimed films like "Sudden Birth and a Wolf" , exhibited internationally, and created murals across Europe. As a lecturer, he teaches film, art, and classical music. Previously, he served as a script editor and broadcaster for Israeli National Radio's classical music programs. His work has been supported by major grants including the Israeli Film Fund and Yehoshua Rabinovich Foundation. Edelman-Landau’s artistic practice includes solo and group exhibitions in Israel, Europe, and New York, focusing on oil portraits since 2019. His contributions blend creative arts with pedagogical expertise, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary education and cultural production.
Andrea Puskás is an Associate Professor and Vice-Rector at J. Selye University's Faculty of Education, leading the Department of English Language and Literature. She holds a PhD in English Literary Studies from Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest) and completed habilitation in Foreign Languages and Cultures at the University of Presov. Her academic career includes teaching roles since 2001, with a focus on English literature and pedagogy. Her research expertise spans English literary studies, EFL methodology, and drama-based teaching techniques. She has led multiple national (KEGA) and EU-funded projects, including the 'Improving Creativity in EFL Teaching' initiative (2019–2021) and 'Web-Based Applications in Transdisciplinary Training' (2016–2018). She has organized international symposiums like 'New Challenges of Teaching English as a Foreign Language in the 21st Century' (2017) and presented at conferences such as the International Humour Symposium (2014) and IMCIC (2019). Dr. Puskás has authored over 90 publications, including textbooks like Teaching Young Learners and peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Language and Cultural Education . Her awards include the Rector's Prize for Scientific and Publishing Activities (2015, 2018). She is actively involved in curriculum development, assessment strategies, and integrating digital tools into teacher training programs.
Katarína Holetzová serves as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mass Media and Marketing Communication , Paneuropean University PEVŠ, Faculty of Mass Media. Her academic work bridges journalism, media communication, and creative content analysis. Research Focus: Examines Slovak journalism's evolution, written news principles, and media systems in the 21st century. Explores creative work's role in modern media landscapes. Teaching: Instructs courses including Media Creation, Specialized Journalism, Media System Typology, and Stylistics within Media and Communication Studies programs. Publications: Investigates media trends through interdisciplinary lenses, emphasizing social networks' impact on journalism and Generation Z's media habits. Contact: Consultation hours: Friday 09:30–11:30, Office d.217 | Phone: +421 2 6820 644
